The report from Leslie Scanlon estimating damage in New Covenant (Presbytery) was correct based on the information we received during the first days post Ike. Unfortunately it is now a far more difficult picture. …

Churches (that) originally reported little damage like First Galveston and First Orange found a very different picture once they got into their buildings to find not only significant flood damage, but significant mold as well. First Orange was just completing repairs to their historic building caused by Hurricane Rita and has welcomed a new pastor to a significantly damaged building and a devastated community. Emmanuel in Galveston had six feet of water in the building. The interior of West Isle has had to be gutted. Several other churches further inland have experienced major roof damage that led to water damage caused by rain.

The article is on target about the resilience of folks. Neighbor is reaching out to neighbor and we have volunteers on the ground. People know how much worse it could have been. We've gathered for special services of healing and wholeness in two of the most affected areas.

Where the devastation really gets significant is in the communities.  Thousands of people have become homeless overnight. Work crews will be descending on Sabine Pass near the La. state line this weekend.  Where there was once a thriving community, literally the only structures left are the school and the athletic complex.  There is nothing left to dig out — it’s a matter of clearing brush and debris so that shelters can be brought in. 

Please encourage your readers to pray for the people of coastal Texas and Louisiana. PDA (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance) is doing a wonderful job of helping us prepare for long-term recovery efforts.  Updates are available on our presbytery Web site http://www.pbyofnewcovenant.org/sections/home.html and volunteer work crews are being scheduled through the PDA call center at 1-866-732-6121.

Mary Marcotte
Associate General Presbyter for Discipleship and Leadership Development
Presbytery of New Covenant
Houston, Texas